Secrets of Kansai

Empty Japan - (Empty.Japan)
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Empty Japan
What you’ll do

Four-day plan that's all about hidden treasures – the stuff you won't find in regular guides.

Day 1 - Explore one of Japan's holiest places with over a thousand years of history including one of my favorite Temples of all time.

  • Travel time (from Kyoto Station): 35 min (JR train + bus) or 40 min by car

Day 2 - Discover a charming village frozen in time as you explore the north of Kyoto. Uncover ancient temples, their secrets, traditions, flavors, and stories that will transport you to a different era.

  • Travel time (from Kyoto Station): 1 hour and 10 minutes by subway and bus or 50 minutes by car.

Day 3 - Venture off the beaten path in Arashiyama, avoiding crowded tourist spots. Explore hidden and atmospheric locations that are rarely visited, offering a unique perspective on this beautiful area.

  • Travel time (from Kyoto Station): 40 minutes by subway and train or 30 minutes by car.

Day 4 - Discover the essence of Japan's charm on this day trip while wandering through historic streets lined with traditional homes, savor some of the best Wagyu in Japan, and unwind with serene views of the lake Biwa. From scenic mountain vistas to peaceful boat rides, this itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure.

  • Travel time (from Kyoto Station): 50-60 minutes by train + bus or 1 hour by car.

And, of course, if you've been following my Instagram for long enough, you know that these itineraries include absolutely delicious restaurants and cafes where you can savor some of the best dishes of local cuisine.

  • All of the locations are accessible by public transport.

  • Mentioned travel time is approximate and may vary depending on your departure time and traffic conditions.

  • If you plan to spend less than 3 days in Kyoto, choose those day-trips that you are interested in the most.

  • These day trips are not interconnected and may be experienced in any order

1

About this day trip (Hiei)
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About this day trip
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
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2

How to get to Mt. Hiei
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Read before your trip
Categorie
openbaar vervoer
Est. Price
$
Transporttype
bus
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3

Hieizan-Sakamoto JR Station
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JR station (skip it if you travel by car or taxi)
Categorie
openbaar vervoer
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4

Cable Sakamoto Station
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Cablecar station
Categorie
openbaar vervoer
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5

Cable Enryakuji Station
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Retro Cablecar ride
Categorie
openbaar vervoer
Est. Price
$
Transporttype
ander
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6

Ticket Booth
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Entry to the Temple complex
Categorie
openbaar vervoer
Est. Price
JP¥ 1.000
Richting
7

Bell of Luck
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Legendary Bell tower
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
Est. Price
JP¥ 100
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8

Daikodo (Grand Lecture Hall)
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Temple's Lecture Hall
Categorie
cultuur
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9

Amidado Hall
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Beautiful Temple Hall
Categorie
cultuur
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10

Kokuho-den Japanese National Treasure Museum
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National Treasure Museum
Categorie
cultuur
Est. Price
JP¥ 500
Richting
11

比叡茶寮 (Hiei saryō) Cafe
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Perfect rest with sweets and tea
Categorie
cafe
Est. Price
JP¥ 600
Richting
12

Enryakuji bus centre baiten (souvenir shop)
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Local Souvenirs and sweets shop
Categorie
winkel
Est. Price
JP¥ 1.000
Richting
13

Enryaku-ji Temple
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Iconic Buddhist Temple
Categorie
cultuur
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14

Monju-ro
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Temple of Bodhisattva of Wisdom
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
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15

Reiho
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Stunning view (cafe)
Categorie
cafe
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16

Cable Enryakuji Station (return)
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Funicular station
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
Est. Price
$$
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17

Cable Sakamoto Station (return)
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Funicular station
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
Est. Price
$$
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18

Fuyōen
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Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Categorie
restaurant
Est. Price
JP¥ 1.800
Richting
19

Hashirii Bridge
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Sacred bridge
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
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20

San-nou Torii
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Unique Torii Gate
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bezienswaardigheden bekijken
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21

Hiyoshi Taisha
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Sacred Mountain Sanctuary
Categorie
cultuur
Est. Price
JP¥ 300
Richting
22

Great Golden Rock
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Secret Shrine on a clif
Categorie
wandeltocht
Est. Duur
1-2h
Richting
23

East Sanctuary
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Peaceful Shrine surrounded by nature
Categorie
cultuur
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24

Shigain Monzeki Temple
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Hidden Temple gem
Categorie
cultuur
Est. Price
$
Richting
25

Deze is optioneel

Notes Mt. Hieizan
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Read before the next activity
Categorie
bezienswaardigheden bekijken
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26

Kies de optie die het beste bij u past

Kitsune No Yomeiri
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Top Wagyu Restaurant in Kyoto
Categorie
restaurant
Est. Price
JP¥ 20.000
Richting

For this day trip, I recommend staying in one of the hotels in Kyoto where I personally enjoyed my stay the most.

These hotels are listed as the next locations on this itinerary (three of them are listed here).

If, for any reason, you are unable to book any of these three hotels, you can find my other hotel recommendations (which are equally great) on my map or under the "things to do" list by selecting the option to show only hotels.

All of my recommended hotels cater to a wide variety of preferences for every type of traveler, including different budget ranges, modern or traditional options, and more. They are especially perfect, considering their location right in the heart of Kyoto and their convenience for one-day trips (due to their 5-minute walking distance to either Subway or JR stations).

27

Kies de optie die het beste bij u past

Renka-no-Yu On-Yado NONO Kyoto Shichijo
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Hotel with a hot spring
Categorie
hotel
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